Surgical stapling apparatus including an anvil and cartridge each having cooperating mating surfaces

ABSTRACT

Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography; and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/040,778, filed Sep. 30, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/762,626, filed Feb. 8, 2013, now patented U.S.Pat. No. 8,544,712, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/008,298, filed on Jan. 9, 2008, now patented U.S. Pat. No.8,393,513, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/999,710, filed on Dec. 6, 2007, now patented U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,188,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/113,928,filed on Apr. 25, 2005, now patented U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,840, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/411,686, filed Apr.11, 2003, now patented U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,083 which claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/372,356, filed on Apr.11, 2002, and the disclosures of each of the above-identifiedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus, and moreparticularly to surgical stapling apparatus having complementarilyshaped staple anvil and staple cartridge surfaces.

2. Background of Related Art

There are several known types of surgical staplers specifically adaptedfor use in various procedures such as end-to-end anastomosis; circularend-to-end anastomosis; gastrointestinal anastomosis; endoscopicgastrointestinal anastomosis; and transverse anastomosis specificexamples of staplers for these various procedures are for example, EEA™,CEEA™, GIA™, EndoGIA™, and TA™ available from United States Surgical adivision of Tyco Health-Care Group, LP, Norwalk, Conn., with eachstapler including an anvil which is adjustably approximated relative astaple cartridge. The staple cartridge typically has at least twolaterally spaced rows of staples, which depending on the particularstapler may be arranged in a linear or non-linear fashion. The anvilincludes staple deforming depressions formed therein which stapledeforming depressions are aligned with the rows of staples in thecartridge. In use, each of the surgical staplers involves the grippingof tissue to be fastened, the ejecting of individual staples, theforcing of staples through the gripped tissue and the closing of thestaples against the staple deforming depressions formed in the anvil ofthe stapler.

A continuing need exists for improved surgical stapling apparatus havingmeans for enhancing alignment of the anvil with the staple cartridge inone of, preferably in both, a transverse and longitudinal directionduring or upon approximation or mating of the anvil with the staplecartridge with tissue or material to be stapled therebetween.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatus having ashaped anvil and shaped cartridge.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical staplingapparatus is provided including an anvil having a working surface with aplurality of staple forming depressions formed therein, the workingsurface of the anvil having a non-planar cross-sectional shape, and astaple cartridge having a working surface in juxtaposition to theworking surface of the anvil and including a plurality of stapleretention slots formed therein, the working surface of the staplecartridge having a shape which complements the shape of the workingsurface of the anvil, wherein when the anvil and staple cartridge areapproximated with one another with tissue therebetween, at least aportion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least aportion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhancealignment of the plurality of staple forming depressions with theplurality of staple retention slots.

It is envisioned that the working surface of the staple cartridgeincludes a pair of inclined wall portions extending longitudinally alonga length thereof, and wherein the working surface of the anvil includesa pair of inclined wall portions extending along a length thereof andcomplementing the pair of inclined wall portions of the working surfaceof the staple cartridge. Each inclined wall portion of the staplecartridge has an inner longitudinal edge and an outer longitudinal edge,and the inner longitudinal edges are parallel and spaced apart from oneanother, recessed with respect to a plane defined by the outerlongitudinal edges, and defining a knife track.

It is envisioned that the staple cartridge includes first and secondside walls, parallel to and spaced apart from one another, and wherein afirst inclined wall portion of the staple cartridge extends from thefirst side wall of the staple cartridge at an angle which is less than90.degree. relative to the first side wall and a second inclined wallportion of the staple cartridge extends from the second side wall of thestaple cartridge at an angle which is less than 90.degree. relative tothe second side wall. Each inclined wall portion of the anvil has aninner longitudinal edge and an outer longitudinal edge, and the innerlongitudinal edges are parallel and spaced apart from each other,recessed with respect to a plane defined by the outer longitudinaledges, and defining a knife track.

It is envisioned that the anvil includes first and second side walls,parallel to and spread apart from one another, and wherein a firstinclined wall portion of the anvil extends from the first side wall ofthe anvil at an angle which is greater than 90.degree. and less than180.degree. relative to the first side wall and a second inclined wallportion of the staple cartridge extends from the second side wall of theanvil at an angle which is greater than 90.degree. and less than180.degree. relative to the second side wall.

The working surface of the staple cartridge can have an arcuate shape ina direction transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein theworking surface of the anvil has a shape which is complementary to thearcuate surface of the staple cartridge. It is envisioned that theworking surface of the staple cartridge is one of concave and convex inthe transverse direction.

It is contemplated that at least one of the staple cartridge and theanvil includes a longitudinally running channel extending along thelength thereof.

In one embodiment it is envisioned that the working surfaces of theanvil and the staple cartridge are annular. The staple cartridge caninclude an upstanding annular side wall extending from at least one ofan inner and outer terminal edge of the surface of the staple cartridgeand inclined at an obtuse angle relative thereto. Alternatively, thestaple cartridge can include an upstanding annular side wall extendingfrom each of an inner edge and an outer edge of the surface of thestaple cartridge, wherein the annular side walls are inclined at anobtuse angle relative to the surface of the surgical staple cartridge.The angle of inclination of the annular side walls is greater than90.degree. and less than 180.degree.

It is envisioned that the working surface of the anvil can have anarcuate shape in a radial direction and wherein the working surface ofthe staple cartridge has a shape that is complementary to that of theworking surface of the anvil. Preferably, the working surface of theanvil, in radial transverse cross-section, is one of convex and concave.

It is contemplated that the working surface of the anvil is angled suchthat an inner terminal edge thereof is depressed relative to an outerterminal edge thereof. Alternatively, it is contemplated that theworking surface of the anvil is angled such that an inner terminal edgethereof is elevated relative to an outer terminal edge thereof.

It is envisioned that the working surface of the anvil is provided withat least one longitudinally oriented arcuate recess formed therein andwherein the working surface of the staple cartridge is provided with atlease one projection extending therefrom, wherein the at least oneprojection complements the at least one recess to longitudinally alignthe anvil and staple cartridge when approximated with one another.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalstapling apparatus is provided which includes an anvil having a workingsurface with a shaped topography, and a staple cartridge having aworking surface in juxtaposition with the anvil, the working surface ofthe staple cartridge having a shaped topography which is complementaryto the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil,such that when the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated withone another with tissue therebetween, cooperation of at least a portionof the working surface of the anvil with at least a portion of theworking surface of the staple cartridge enhances alignment of the staplecartridge and the anvil in at least one of transverse and longitudinaldirections.

It is envisioned that either the anvil, the staple cartridge or both theanvil and the staple cartridge can have an arcuate cross-sectionalprofile or a V-shaped cross-sectional profile. It is further envisionedthat at least one of the anvil and the staple cartridge has atopographical surface undulating in at least one of a transverse and alongitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, at least one of the anvil and staple cartridgedefines a longitudinal axis. The working surface of the anvil is angledwith respect to the longitudinal axis of the anvil. The working surfaceof the anvil can be angled to either decline or incline from the distalend to the proximal end of the anvil. It is envisioned that the anvilcan have at least one of a V-shaped and arcuate transversecross-sectional profile.

In another embodiment, the surgical stapling apparatus defines alongitudinal axis. It is thus contemplated that the working surface ofeach of the anvil and staple cartridge is angled relative to thelongitudinal axis of the surgical stapling apparatus. The workingsurface of the anvil can be angled to either decline or incline from thedistal end to the proximal end of the anvil. It is envisioned that theanvil can have at least one of a V-shaped and arcuate transversecross-sectional profile.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgicalstapling apparatus is provided including an anvil having a workingsurface with a plurality of staple forming depressions formed therein,the working surface of the anvil having a non-planar cross-sectionalshape, and a staple cartridge having a working surface in juxtapositionto the working surface of the anvil and including a plurality of stapleretention slots formed therein. The working surface of the staplecartridge has a shape which complements the shape of the working surfaceof the anvil, such that as the anvil and staple cartridge areapproximated relative to one another with tissue therebetween, theworking surface of the anvil cooperates with the working surface of thestaple cartridge to help align the plurality of staple formingdepressions with the plurality of staple retention slots.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical staplingapparatus is provided including an anvil having a working surface with ashaped topography, and a staple cartridge having a working surface injuxtaposition with the anvil. The working surface of the staplecartridge has a shaped topography which is complementary to the shapedtopography of the working surface of the shaped anvil, such that as theanvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with one another withtissue therebetween, cooperation of at least a portion of the workingsurface of the anvil with at least a portion of the working surface ofthe staple cartridge enhances alignment of the staple cartridge and theanvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction.

It is envisioned that, when approximated, the anvil and cartridge of thesurgical stapling apparatus can be clamped.

These objects together with other objects of the disclosure, along withthe various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a linearsurgical stapling apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of a linearstaple cartridge for a surgical stapling apparatus such as the apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of a staple anvil for use withthe staple cartridge of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the approximatedstaple cartridge and staple anvil of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative illustrativeembodiment of a staple cartridge for a linear surgical staplingapparatus;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative illustrativeembodiment of a staple anvil for use with the staple cartridge of FIG.4A;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the approximated staplecartridge and staple anvil of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative surgical staplingapparatus including a staple cartridge and staple anvil in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a tool assembly forthe surgical stapling apparatus shown in FIG. 6 including the staplecartridge and staple anvil in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a distal end view of the staple anvil of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 7 astaken along 7B-7B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative surgical staplingapparatus including a staple cartridge and staple anvil in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a plan view of the staple anvil of the surgical staplingapparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9B is a plan view of the staple cartridge of the surgical staplingapparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative surgical staplingapparatus including a staple cartridge and staple anvil in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of the staple cartridge andstaple anvil working surfaces in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the staple anvil of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the staplecartridge and staple anvil working surfaces taken along section line12A-12A of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12B is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of workingsurfaces of an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge and stapleanvil;

FIG. 12C is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of workingsurfaces of an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge and stapleanvil;

FIG. 12D is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of workingsurfaces of an alternative embodiment of the staple cartridge and stapleanvil of FIG. 12C;

FIG. 12E is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of workingsurfaces of an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridge and stapleanvil;

FIG. 12F is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of workingsurfaces of an alternative embodiment of the staple cartridge and stapleanvil of FIG. 12E;

FIG. 13 is a schematic enlarged side elevational view of a portion ofworking surfaces of a staple cartridge and staple anvil according to afurther alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic enlarged side elevational view of a portion of anapproximated staple cartridge and staple anvil according to yet anotheralternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic enlarged side elevational view of a portion of anapproximated staple cartridge and staple anvil according to stillanother alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic enlarged side elevational views ofportions of the approximated staple cartridge and staple anvil accordingother alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical staplingapparatus will now be described in detail with reference to the drawingfigures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identicalelements. In the drawings and in the description which follows, the term“proximal”, as is traditional, will refer to the end of the surgicalapparatus which is closest to the operator, while the term “distal” willrefer to the end of the device which is furthest from the operator.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 1-5, in which like reference numeralsidentify similar or identical elements, a surgical stapling instrumentor apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure isgenerally designated as 100. Surgical stapling instrument 100 is an opengastro-intestinal anastomosis type stapler and includes a first handle102 having a jaw defining a staple cartridge 104 extending from a distalend thereof, and a second handle 106 having a jaw defining a stapleanvil 108 extending from a distal end thereof, such that staplecartridge 104 is substantially aligned with staple anvil 108.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, enlarged sections of the staplecartridge 104 and staple anvil 108 are shown, respectively. As seen inparticular in FIGS. 2A and 3, staple cartridge 104 includes a pair ofparallel spaced side walls 110 and 112 (see FIG. 3), a planar bottomwall 114, and a dual inclined top wall 116 (according to the orientationof staple cartridge 104 of FIG. 3) defining a working surface.Preferably dual inclined top wall 116 is inclined in a directiontransverse to and away from the longitudinal axis. Dual inclined topwall 116 includes a first inclined top wall portion 118 inclined at anangle less than 90.degree. relative to and toward first side wall 110,and a second inclined top wall portion 120 inclined at an angle lessthan 90.degree. relative to and toward second side wall 112. Eachinclined wall portion 118, 120 includes and inner terminal edge 118 a,120 a, respectively, and an outer terminal edge 118 b, 120 b,respectively. In other words, inner terminal edge 118 a, 120 a arerecessed into staple cartridge 104 with respect to a plane defined byouter terminal edges 118 b, 120 b. Each of the first and second inclinedtop wall portions 118, 120 includes a pair of rows of laterally spacedstaple retention slots 124, extending substantially the entire length ofstaple cartridge 104, for receiving a plurality of fasteners (e.g.,staples) and pushers therein (both of which are not shown). It isenvisioned that staple cartridge 104 further includes a longitudinallyoriented central passageway 122 extending the length thereof.

As seen in particular in FIGS. 2B and 3, staple anvil 108 includes apair of parallel spaced side walls 126 and 128, a planar top wall 130,and a dual inclined bottom wall 132 (according to the orientation ofstaple anvil 108 of FIG. 3) defining a working surface. Preferably, dualinclined bottom wall 132 is inclined in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis. Dual inclined bottom wall 132 includes a firstinclined bottom wall portion 134 inclined toward the longitudinal axisat an angle greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree. relativeto first side wall 126, and a second inclined bottom wall portion 136inclined toward the longitudinal axis at an angle greater than90.degree. and less than 180.degree. relative to second side wall 128.Staple anvil 108 further includes a longitudinally oriented passageway138 extending the length of staple anvil 108. Each inclined wall portion134, 136 includes an inner terminal edge 134 a, 136 a, respectively, andan outer terminal edge 134 b, 136 b, respectively. In other words, innerterminal edges 118 a, 120 a are elevated out of staple anvil 108 withrespect to a plane defined by outer terminal edges 134 b, 136 b. Each ofthe first and second inclined bottom wall portions 134, 136 includes apair of laterally spaced rows of anvil depressions 140. Preferably,anvil depressions 140 of staple anvil 108 are in juxtaposed alignmentwith staple retentions slots 124 of staple cartridge 104.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of first inclined top wall portion118 of staple cartridge 104 is complementary to the angle of inclinationof first inclined bottom wall portion 134 of staple anvil 108.Similarly, the angle of inclination of second inclined top wall portion120 of staple cartridge 104 is complementary to the angle of inclinationof second inclined bottom wall portion 136 of staple anvil 108. In thismanner, as staple cartridge 104 is approximated relative to staple anvil108, a camming action takes place between the inclined surfaces (i.e.,inclined top wall portions 118, 120) of staple cartridge 104 and theinclined surfaces (i.e., inclined bottom wall portions 134, 136) ofstaple anvil 108. As such, when staple cartridge 104 is approximatedrelative to or with staple anvil 108 with tissue “T” therebetween,alignment of retention slots 124 with corresponding anvil depressions140 is enhanced. The configurations of staple cartridge 104 and stapleanvil 108 help align retention slots 124 and anvil depressions 140 withone another as staple cartridge 104 and staple anvil 108 are broughtinto approximation or mating relationship with one another with tissue“T” and/or material to be stapled therebetween, and each time staplecartridge 104 is approximated with staple anvil 108 with tissue “T”and/or material to be stapled therebetween.

“Approximated” herein means that the working surfaces of the anvil andcartridge are sufficiently close or near to each other and in contactwith tissue, if there is tissue therebetween, that staples can be firedfrom the slots of the staple cartridge and properly formed in thedepressions of the anvil. To be approximated the anvil and cartridgeneed not be, but preferably are, clamped or otherwise held together.Approximated may also apply to surgical stapling instruments whichemploy two-part fasteners wherein a first part of the two-part fasteneris stored in a cartridge or like member and can be fired and properlyjoined to a second part of the two-part fastener disposed in an anvil orlike member.

While it has been described that the angle of inclination of the dualinclined top wall 116 and the dual inclined bottom wall 132 are relativeto parallel side walls 110, 112 and 126, 128 of staple cartridge 104 andstaple anvil 108, respectively, it is envisioned that the angle ofinclination can be relative to any fixed reference. It is alsoenvisioned that the angle of inclination of first and second inclinedtop wall portions 118, 120 of staple cartridge 104 is inclined at anangle which is greater than 90.degree. relative to side walls 110, 112while the angle of inclination of first and second inclined bottom wallportions 134, 136 of staple anvil 108 is inclined at an angle less than90.degree. relative to side walls 126, 128. Preferably, the angle ofinclination of top wall portions 118, 120 complements the angle ofinclination of bottom wall portions 134, 136.

As seen more clearly in FIG. 3, first and second inclined top wallportions 118, 120 of staple cartridge 104 are inclined such that thelongitudinal edges of each of inclined bottom wall portions 118, 120,defining longitudinal passageway 122, are closer to planar bottom wall114 than are the longitudinal edges of the inclined top wall portions118, 120 which are in contact with each of side walls 110, 112,respectively. Correspondingly, first and second inclined top wallportions 134, 136 of staple anvil 108 are inclined such that thelongitudinal edges of each of inclined bottom wall portions 134, 136,defining longitudinal passageway 138, are further away from top planarwall 130 than are the longitudinal edges of inclined top wall portions134, 136 which are in contact with each of side walls 126, 128,respectively. Once again, while it is shown that first and secondinclined top wall portions 118, 120 are inclined toward bottom planarsurface 114 with first and second inclined bottom wall portions 134, 136inclined away from top planar surface 130, it is envisioned that firstand second inclined top wall portions 118, 120 can be inclined away fromthe bottom planar surface 114 while first and second inclined bottomwall portions 134, 136 are inclined toward top planar surface 130.

As will be described in greater detail below, it is contemplated thatfirst and second top wall portions 118, 120 can be either declining orinclining from a distal end or distal end portion to a proximal end orproximal end portion while first and second bottom wall portions 134,136 are declining or inclining in a direction and at an angle equal andopposite to top wall portions 118, 120. It is further contemplated thatone of first and second top wall portions 118, 120 can be declining in alongitudinal direction while the other of first and second wall portions118, 120 is inclining in a longitudinal direction. Concomitantly, firstand second wall portions 134, 136 is declining or inclining in alongitudinal direction which complements the longitudinally inclining ordeclining first and second top wall portions 118, 120.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, an enlarged perspective view of analternative staple cartridge 204 and an alternative staple anvil 208 areshown. Staple cartridge 204 includes a pair of parallel spaced sidewalls 210 and 212, a planar bottom wall 214 and a top wall 216(according to the orientation of staple cartridge 204 of FIG. 5) whichis arcuate, preferably semi-circular, in a direction transverse to alongitudinal axis thereof defining a working surface. Preferably, topwall 216 is concave. Concave top wall 216 includes a pair of laterallyspaced rows of staple retention slots 224 extending the entire length ofstaple cartridge 204. Staple anvil 208 includes a pair of parallelspaced side walls 226 and 228, a planar top wall 230 and a bottom wall232 (according to the orientation of staple anvil 208 of FIG. 5) whichis arcuate, preferably semi-circular, in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal axis thereof defining a working surface. Preferably, bottomwall 232 is convex. Convex bottom wall 232 of staple anvil 208 includesa pair of laterally spaced rows of staple forming depressions 240. It iscontemplated that top wall 216 and bottom wall 232 can also be arcuate(e.g., semi-circular) in a direction longitudinally transverse to thelongitudinal axis thereof.

Preferably, the radius of curvature of concave top wall 216 of staplecartridge 204 is substantially equal to the radius of curvature ofconvex bottom wall 232 of staple anvil 208. In this manner, as staplecartridge 204 and staple anvil 208 are brought into approximation or areapproximated with one another with tissue “T” therebetween, a cammingaction takes place between concave top wall 216 of staple cartridge 204and convex bottom wall 232 of staple anvil 208 to thereby help align therows of staple retention slots 224 of staple cartridge 204 with the rowsof staple forming depressions 240 of staple anvil 208.

As seen more clearly in FIG. 5, concave top wall 216 of staple cartridge204 is adapted to complement convex bottom wall 232 of staple anvil 208therein upon approximation of staple cartridge 204 with staple anvil 208with tissue “T” therebetween. Accordingly, alignment of staple retentionslots 224 of cartridge 204 with staple forming depressions 240 formed inanvil 208 is enhanced. While the convex surface is shown as bottom wall232 of staple anvil 208 and concave surface is shown as top wall 216 ofstaple cartridge 204, it is envisioned that the convex surface canproject from the top wall of staple cartridge 204 while concave surfacecan project into the bottom wall of staple anvil 208.

It is envisioned that staple cartridge 204 and/or staple anvil 208include a longitudinally oriented central channel formed therethrough.It is envisioned that the central channel can accommodate a knifedisposed within the staple cartridge and be slidable along the length ofthe central channel.

Reference can be made to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,560 toMcKean et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,849 to Mastri et al., and U.S. Pat.No. 5,964,394 to Robertson, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed explanation of theoperation of surgical stapling instrument 100 and for approximating thestaple cartridge with the staple anvil.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-7B, there is disclosed a laparoscopic staplingapparatus (i.e., of the type such as an “Endo GIA™” surgical staplingapparatus available from United States Surgical, a division of TycoHealthcare Group, LP, Norwalk, Conn.) generally shown as 300 andincluding a staple cartridge and staple anvil in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In general, the laparoscopic stapler includes ahandle 302, an operative tool 306 (i.e., end effector) and an elongatedshaft 304 for interconnecting operative tool 306 to handle 302. Ingeneral, operative tool 306 is designed to approximate and then tostaple and divide tissue “T” held therebetween. Accordingly, as seen inFIG. 7, operative tool 306 is a pair of opposed jaws including a stapleanvil 308 and a staple cartridge 310 couplable, e.g., pivotally ortransversely, to one another.

In particular, as seen in FIG. 7A, staple anvil 308 is an elongatedarm-like structure having a pair of inclined lower surfaces 312 whichproject outwardly along and away from a central longitudinal axis “LA”of staple anvil 308. Preferably, inclined lower surfaces 312 areinclined in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each ofinclined surfaces 312 of staple anvil 308 is provided with a pluralityof staple forming depressions 314, preferably a pair of laterally spacedrows of anvil depressions 140. Staple cartridge 310 is also an elongatedarm-like member adapted to receive a removable staple cartridge assembly316 therein. Staple cartridge assembly 316 includes a pair of inclinedupper surfaces 318 projecting outwardly from and along a centrallongitudinal axis of staple cartridge assembly 316 and defining aworking surface. Preferably, each of inclined upper surfaces 318 isinclined in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each ofinclined upper surfaces 318 of staple cartridge assembly 316 includes apair of laterally spaced rows of staple retention slots 320. Thecooperation of the complementary working surfaces with tissuetherebetween, helps to align staple retention slots 320 of staplecartridge assembly 316 with staple forming depressions 314 of stapleanvil 308 when staple cartridge assembly 316 is being or is approximatedwith staple anvil 308 when the working surfaces have tissue “T”therebetween.

Inclined lower surfaces 312 of staple anvil 308 have an angle ofinclination which complements an angle of inclination of inclined uppersurfaces 318 of staple cartridge assembly 316. In this manner, whenstaple anvil 308 is, e.g., lowered or otherwise brought into contactwith tissue “T” between the working surfaces of anvil 308 and staplecartridge assembly 316, a camming action between inclined lower surfaces312 and inclined upper surfaces 318 helps align staple formingdepressions 314 of staple anvil 308 with staple retention slots 320 ofstaple cartridge assembly 316. While the angle of inclination of uppersurfaces 318 of staple cartridge assembly 316 have been shown asprojecting inward and the angle of inclination of lower surfaces 312 ofstaple anvil 308 have been shown to project outward, it is envisionedthat the angle of inclination of surfaces 312 and 318 can be reversed.While generally planar inclined surfaces have been described, it isenvisioned that the inclined surfaces can be replaced with arcuatesurfaces in the manner disclosed in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 without departingfrom the breath of the disclosure.

Reference can be made to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,330,965 and6,241,139 to Milliman et al., the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed explanation of theoperation of surgical stapling apparatus 300 and of the approximation ofthe staple cartridge with the staple anvil.

FIG. 8 discloses an alternative stapling apparatus of the transverseanastomosis type for stapling a patient's mesentery or omentum (i.e.,such as a “TA™” type surgical stapling apparatus available from UnitedStates Surgical, a division of Tyco Healthcare Group, LP, Norwalk,Conn.) generally designated as 400 including a handle 402, a barrel 404extending from the handle 402 and an arm 406 extending from the distalend of the barrel 404. The stapling device 400 further includes an endeffector including a staple anvil 408 orthogonally affixed to a distalend of arm 406 and a staple cartridge receiver 410 operatively coupledto the distal end of barrel 404 for holding a disposable staplecartridge 412 thereon.

Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, staple cartridge 412 includes a pair ofinclined surfaces 414 projecting outwardly along a central longitudinalaxis thereof. Preferably, each of the pair of inclined surfaces 414 isinclined in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Eachinclined surface 414 of staple cartridge 412 is provided with a pair oflaterally spaced rows of staple retention slots 416. Staple anvil 408includes a pair of inclined surfaces 418 which project inwardly along acentral longitudinal axis thereof and defining a working surface.Preferably, each of the pair of inclined surfaces 418 is inclined in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis. Each inclined surface 418of staple anvil 408 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced rows ofstaple forming depressions 420 formed therein.

Once again, the inclined pair of surfaces 414 projecting from staplecartridge 412 have an angle of inclination which complements an angle ofinclination of the pair of inclined surfaces 418 of staple anvil 408. Inthis manner, when staple anvil 408 is being or is approximated relativeto staple cartridge 412, a camming action helps to align staple formingdepressions 420 of staple anvil 408 to align with staple retention slots416 of staple cartridge 412. While the angle of inclination of surfaces414 of staple cartridge 412 have been shown as projecting outward andthe angle of inclination of surfaces 418 of staple anvil 408 have beenshown to project inward, it is envisioned that angle of inclination ofsurfaces 414, 418 can be reversed. While generally planar inclinedsurfaces have been described, it is envisioned that the inclinedsurfaces can be replaced with arcuate surfaces in the manner disclosedin FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 without departing from the breath of thedisclosure.

Reference can be made to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,394 toRobertson, the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference, for a more detailed explanation of the operation of surgicalstapling apparatus 400 and of the approximation of the staple cartridgewith the staple anvil.

Turning now to FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A and 12B, there is shown analternative surgical stapling apparatus of the end-to-end anastomosistype for performing surgical anastomotic stapling (i.e., an instrumentsuch as an “EEA™” surgical stapling apparatus available from UnitedStates Surgical, a division of Tyco Healthcare Group, LP, Norwalk,Conn.), generally depicted as 500. Surgical stapling apparatus 500includes a handle assembly 502 having at least one pivotable actuatinghandle member 503, and further includes advancing means 505. Extendingfrom handle assembly 502, there is provided a tubular body portion 504which may be constructed so as to have a curved shape along its length.Tubular body portion 504 terminates in a staple pusher assembly 506having a circular staple cartridge 518 including a pair of distallyoriented spaced apart annular rows of staple retention slots 519 formedin a distal surface 521 (see FIG. 12A) thereof. As best seen in FIG.12A, circular staple cartridge 518 preferably includes a pair of annularinclined upstanding side walls 520 which are inclined at an obtuse anglerelative to distal surface 521 of staple cartridge 518.

Surgical stapling apparatus 500 further includes a circular anvilassembly 508 having an anvil head 509 and an anvil shaft 510 extendingfrom a proximal end thereof and adapted to engage a trocar shaft 511extending distally from staple cartridge 518. Anvil head 509 includes anannular anvil 512 disposed at a proximal end thereof, wherein anvil 512includes a pair of laterally spaced rows of staple deforming depressions514 (see FIG. 11B) formed circumferentially about a surface 513 of anvil512. Preferably, as best seen in FIG. 12A, anvil 512 further includes apair of inclined annular upstanding side walls 512, namely, an innerwall 516 a and an outer wall 516 b, which side walls 516 a, 516 b areinclined at an obtuse angle relative to surface 513 of anvil 512.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of side walls 516 a, 516 b ofcircular anvil 512 complement the angle of inclination of side walls 520of circular staple cartridge 518. In this manner, when circular anvil512 is being or is approximated with or relative to circular staplecartridge 518 with tissue “T” therebetween, a camming action takes placebetween tissue “T” and side walls 516 a, 516 b and side walls 520thereby helping to bring staple retention slots 519 into alignment withstaple deforming depressions 514. Preferably, side walls 516 a, 516 bhave an angle of inclination which is greater than 90.degree. and lessthan 180.degree. relative to surface 513 of anvil 512.

While it is shown that circular anvil 512 includes a pair of annularside walls 516 a, 516 b having an obtuse angle of inclination relativeto anvil surface 513 and circular staple cartridge 518 includes a pairof annular side walls 520 having an obtuse angle of inclination relativeto surface 521 of staple cartridge 518, it is envisioned that circularanvil 512 may include a pair of annular side walls 516 a, 516 b havingan obtuse angle of inclination relative to surface 513 of anvil 512while circular staple cartridge 518 includes a pair of inclinedupstanding annular side walls 520 having an obtuse angle of inclinationrelative to distal surface 521 of staple cartridge 518 which complementsthe angle of inclination of side walls 516 a, 516 b.

Turning now to FIG. 12B, an alternative cross-section of an anvilsurface and a staple cartridge surface are generally shown as 522 and524, respectively. Anvil surface 522 includes a concave surface 526 forreceiving a convex surface 528 of circular staple cartridge 524.Moreover, when arcuate staple cartridge 524 with or is being or isapproximated with arcuate anvil surface 522 with tissue “T”therebetween, a camming action takes place between tissue “T” andconcave surface 526 of anvil surface 522 and convex surface 528 ofstaple cartridge surface 524 thereby helping to bring staple retentionslots 519 (not shown) of circular staple cartridge 524 into alignmentwith staple deforming depressions 514 of circular anvil surface 522.Once again, while it is shown that circular staple cartridge 524includes a concave surface 528 and circular anvil surface 522 includes aconvex surface 526, it is envisioned that circular staple cartridge 524can have the convex surface while the circular anvil can have theconcave surface.

As seen in FIGS. 12C and 12D, it is envisioned that anvil 512 isprovided either with an inclined inner wall 516 a extending from aninner edge thereof (see FIG. 12D) or an inclined outer wall 516 bextending from an outer edge thereof (see FIG. 12C). Since inner wall516 a and outer wall 516 b are annular, a single inclined wall (i.e.,either inner wall 516 a or outer wall 516 b) is all that is needed inorder to properly align staple cartridge 518 with staple anvil 512 upontheir approximation to one another. In particular, the camming actionbetween tissue “T” and inner wall 516 a or outer wall 516 b of anvil 512with corresponding annular side wall 520 of staple cartridge 518 helpsto bring staple deforming depressions 514 into alignment with stapleretention slots 519.

It is further envisioned that anvil 512 can include a surface 513 havinga pair of inclined surface portions (not shown) terminating in a centralridge (not shown) and a staple cartridge 518 can include a surface 521having a pair of inclined surface portions (not shown) terminating in acentral valley (not shown) (i.e., similar to the configuration of staplecartridge 104 of staple anvil 108).

In yet another embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 12E and 12F, it isenvisioned that anvil 512 is substantially conical and includes asurface 513 which is angled to have an inner edge 513 a which is eitherrecessed (see FIG. 12E) or elevated (see FIG. 12F) relative to an outeredge 513 b and staple cartridge 518 has a surface 521 which complementsthe angle of inclination of surface 513 of anvil 512.

It should be appreciated that in each of the above disclosedembodiments, upon approximation of the opposed anvil and cartridgehalves of the particular embodiment with tissue “T” therebetween, thereis an enhanced opportunity for each of the staple deforming depressionsformed in the surface of the anvil to be transversely and longitudinallyaligned with a staple retention slot formed in staple cartridge toenhance proper staple formation. The angle at which the staples areoriented relative to the cartridge is determined, e.g., by the formationand disposition of the staple pockets within the cartridge in any givenembodiment. In conventional surgical stapling apparatus, for example,the staple pockets are typically oriented to eject the staplesperpendicular to the surface of the cartridge. In the embodimentsdisclosed herein, the staple retention slots may likewise be formed toeject the staples perpendicular to the surface of the staple cartridgeor in the case of a curved surface perpendicular to a tangent of thesurface of the staple cartridge at the point along the surface where thestaple retention slot opening lies. In such curved surface embodiments,the pusher member, which travels longitudinally to cam individual staplepushers contained in the staple retention slots, can have a cammingsurface which matches the cross-sectional profile of the cartridgesurface where the staples are being ejected in order to apply the forcenecessary to effectively form the staples against the opposed anvilsurfaces.

Reference can be made to commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,616 toViola et al., the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference, for a more detailed explanation of the operation of surgicalstapling apparatus 500 and of mating and/or approximating of a staplecartridge with a staple anvil.

Turning now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of a staple cartridgeand a staple anvil is shown generally as 602 and 606, respectively. Asseen in FIG. 13, staple anvil 602 includes a wave-like or undulating topsurface 604 extending longitudinally along the length thereof whilestaple cartridge 606 includes a wave-like or undulating bottom surface608 extending longitudinally along a length thereof. Preferably, thecross-sectional profile of undulating top surface 604 complements thecross-sectional profile of juxtaposed undulating bottom surface 608. Inthis manner, undulating bottom surface 608 and undulating top surface604 cooperate with one another upon approximation of cartridge 606 withanvil 602 to thereby longitudinally align staple deforming depressions(not shown) formed in anvil 602 with staple retention slots (not shown)formed in cartridge 606. It is envisioned that the transverse alignmentconfigurations described above can be combined with the longitudinalalignment configuration described above in order to help align thestaple anvil with the staple cartridge in a longitudinal direction.

It is contemplated that, in an alternate embodiment, that the stapleanvil includes a wave-like or undulating topographical surface extendingin both a transverse and a longitudinal direction and the staplecartridge include a wave-like or undulating topographical surface,extending in both a transverse and a longitudinal direction, wherein theundulating surface of the staple anvil complements the undulatingsurface of the staple cartridge. In this manner, when the staple anviland the staple cartridge are approximated with or relative to oneanother, the staple deforming depressions and the staple retention slotsare substantially transversely and longitudinally aligned with oneanother.

Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the distal end portions of a stapleanvil and a staple cartridge, in accordance with alternative embodimentsof the present disclosure, are shown generally as 702 and 706,respectively.

As seen in FIG. 14, staple cartridge 706 includes a recessed surface 708formed as part of the tissue contacting surface or working surface ofstaple cartridge 706. Recessed working surface 708 includes a distal endportion 708 a extending at an angle into staple cartridge 706 (e.g., inthe form of a ramp) and a more proximal portion 708 b extendinglongitudinally along a length of staple cartridge 706. It iscontemplated that proximal portion 708 b can have, for example, aV-shaped, rectangular, arcuate, undulating or other suitablecross-sectional profile. Staple anvil 702 includes a projecting workingsurface 704 extending from the tissue contacting or working surface ofstaple anvil 702 and in juxtaposition relative to recessed surface 708of staple cartridge 706. Projecting surface 704 is shaped and sized tocomplement the size and shape of recessed working surface 708 andpreferably includes a distal end portion 704 a extending at an angle outof staple anvil 702 (e.g., in the form of a ramp) and a more proximalportion 704 b extending longitudinally along a length of staple anvil702.

As seen in FIG. 15, staple cartridge 706 includes a recessed surface708′ formed in the tissue contacting side of staple cartridge 706.Recessed surface 708′ preferably has an elongate concave topographicalprofile including a concave leading distal end portion 708 a′ and a moreproximal portion 708 b′ extending longitudinally along a length ofstaple cartridge 706. Staple anvil 702 includes a projecting surface704′ as or extending from the tissue contacting or working surfaces ofstaple anvil 702 and in juxtaposition relative to recessed surface 708′of staple cartridge 706. Projecting surface 704′ is shaped and sized tocomplement the size and shape of recessed surface 708′ and preferablyincludes a convex leading distal end portion 704 a′ extending into amore proximal portion 704 b′ extending longitudinally along the lengthof staple anvil 702.

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, working surfaces 712 and 710 of staplecartridge 706′ and staple anvil 702′, respectively, need not be parallelto but can be at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis “LA” of theend effector, the surgical stapling instrument 100 or the respectiveanvil and/or cartridge. For example, as seen in FIG. 16, the angles ofworking surfaces 710, 712, of staple cartridge 706′ can be generallydeclining from the distal end or distal end portions of staple cartridge706′ and staple anvil 702′, or as shown in FIG. 17, working surfaces710′, 712′ can be declining toward the distal end or distal end portionsof the respective anvil and cartridge.

It is further contemplated that, in another alternate embodiment, thestaple anvil can be provided with a longitudinally running row ofdetents or dimples formed in the surface of the staple anvil, preferablynear at least one longitudinal side edge thereof while the staplecartridge is preferably provided with a longitudinally running row ofnubs or projections extending from the surface of the staple cartridge.Accordingly, when the staple anvil is being or is approximated with orrelative to the staple cartridge, the nubs of the staple cartridge willforce the interstitial tissue into the detents of the staple anvil andsuch will help to both transversely and longitudinally align the stapledeforming depressions with the staple retention slots. It is furtherenvisioned that the nubs of the staple cartridge could be replaced withpins or needles which would penetrate the tissue disposed between thestaple anvil and the staple cartridge and then enter the detents ordimples of the staple anvil.

While alignment configurations may extend the entire length and width ofthe staple anvils and staple cartridges described above, it isenvisioned that such alignment features need only be placed or occur atpre-selected locations along a or the length and/or along a or thewidth, or a portion of the end effector or working surface(s) in orderprovide a surgical stapling apparatus which helps to align itself uponeach mating and/or approximation of the staple anvil with the staplecartridge.

Surgical stapling apparatus disclosed above include a staple anvil or astaple cartridge having a surface with a first shaped topography (i.e.,trapezoidal, arcuate, triangular, undulating, etc.) and the other of thestaple anvil or staple cartridge having a surface with a second shapedtopography which is complementary to the first shaped topography.Accordingly, when the staple cartridge and the staple anvil are being orare approximated with or relative to one another with tissue “T”therebetween, the first shaped topographical surface cooperates with thesecond shaped topographical surface to help align the staple anvil andthe staple cartridge in a transverse and/or longitudinal direction.

By providing a surgical stapling apparatus including a staple anvilhaving a shaped working surface together with a staple cartridge havinga shaped working surface, which shaped working surfaces complement eachother, the staple anvil and the staple cartridge are urged to align withone another each time the staple anvil is brought into approximationwith the staple cartridge, thereby also enhancing alignment of stapledeforming depressions formed in the staple anvil, with the stapleretention slots formed in the staple cartridge. Such configured anvilsand cartridges may be suitably formed from suitable materials other thansteel which are less expensive and easier to form yet which may achievethe high degree of tolerance for alignment between the staple retentionslots and the staple deforming depressions.

Where it is stated herein that there is tissue between a staplecartridge and a staple anvil, it is to be understood that with in lieuof the tissue there could be or also be a suitable surgical material,for a non-limiting example, a Pledget™ material, therebetween.

In accordance with the present disclosure, it is understood that theworking surfaces of the surgical staplers disclosed herein can beapproximated in any number of methods as are known by those skilled inthe art without departing from the scope and/or breath of the presentdisclosure.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as an exemplification ofpreferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. (canceled)
 2. A surgical stapling apparatus including an end effectordefining a longitudinal axis, the end effector comprising: an anvilincluding a working surface that defines staple deforming depressions;and a staple cartridge including a working surface that is curved in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis, the working surface ofthe staple cartridge defining staple retention slots that supportsurgical staples therein, the surgical staples configured to deformagainst the staple deforming depressions of the anvil upon a firing ofthe surgical stapling apparatus.
 3. The surgical stapling apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the working surface of the staple cartridge extendsalong a majority of a length of the staple cartridge.
 4. The surgicalstapling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the working surface of one of theanvil and the staple cartridge has a convex configuration.
 5. Thesurgical stapling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the working surface ofone of the anvil and the staple cartridge has a concave configuration.6. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the workingsurface of the anvil has a configuration complementary to aconfiguration of the working surface of the staple cartridge.
 7. Thesurgical stapling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the staple cartridgeincludes a channel formed therethrough.
 8. The surgical staplingapparatus of claim 7, wherein the channel is configured to accommodate aknife slidably disposed therethrough.
 9. The surgical stapling apparatusof claim 2, wherein the working surface of the staple cartridge iscurved along the longitudinal axis.
 10. The surgical stapling apparatusof claim 2, wherein the staple cartridge includes a pair of parallelspaced side walls and a planar bottom wall opposing the working surfaceof the staple cartridge.
 11. The surgical stapling apparatus of claim 8,wherein a portion of the working surface of the anvil is receivedbetween the pair of parallel spaced side walls of the staple cartridgewhile the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated.
 12. An endeffector comprising: a first jaw; a second jaw opposing the first jaw;an anvil disposed in the first jaw and having a working surface, theworking surface of the anvil defining staple forming depressions; and astaple cartridge disposed in the second jaw and having a curved workingsurface, the curved working surface of the staple cartridge definingstaple retention slots disposed in juxtaposition with the staple formingdepressions of the anvil with the anvil and staple cartridge in closecooperative alignment.
 13. The end effector of claim 12, wherein thecurved working surface of the staple cartridge extends along a majorityof a length of the staple cartridge.
 14. The end effector of claim 12,wherein the working surface of the anvil or the curved working surfaceof the staple cartridge has a convex configuration.
 15. The end effectorof claim 12, wherein the working surface of the anvil or the curvedworking surface of the staple cartridge has a concave configuration. 16.The end effector of claim 12, further defining a longitudinal axisextending therealong, and wherein the working surface of the anvil andthe curved working surface of the staple cartridge is curved along anaxis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
 17. The end effector of claim16, wherein the anvil includes a pair of parallel spaced side walls anda planar top wall opposing the working surface of the anvil.
 18. The endeffector of claim 17, wherein the staple cartridge includes a pair ofparallel spaced side walls and a planar bottom wall opposing the curvedworking surface of the staple cartridge.
 19. The end effector of claim18, wherein the anvil and staple cartridge are configured such that uponapproximation of the anvil and the staple cartridge, a portion of theworking surface of the anvil is disposed between the pair of parallelspaced side walls of the staple cartridge.
 20. An end effector for asurgical stapling apparatus, the end effector defining a longitudinalaxis and comprising: an anvil including a working surface that definesstaple deforming depressions; and a staple cartridge including a workingsurface that is curved in a direction transverse to the longitudinalaxis, the working surface of the staple cartridge defining stapleretention slots that support surgical staples therein, the surgicalstaples configured to deform against the staple deforming depressions ofthe anvil upon a firing of end effector.
 21. The end effector of claim20, wherein the working surface of the staple cartridge extends along amajority of a length of the staple cartridge.